MONROVIA – The Deputy Inspector General of Police for Operations (DIGPO), Cllr. J. Nelson Freeman, issued a firm mandate to the nation’s traffic division on Tuesday, calling for a return to core professional values and an immediate end to predatory policing practices.
During a high-level briefing held at the Liberia National Police (LNP) Headquarters on April 21, 2026, Cllr. Freeman addressed a gathering of traffic officers and commanders. While the DIGPO offered praise for the force’s role in curbing violent crime, his message was primarily one of correction regarding the deteriorating relationship between traffic police and the motoring public.
A Tale of Two Trends: Crime Down, Extortion Up
In a detailed assessment of current security metrics, Cllr. Freeman noted a significant shift in the country’s safety landscape. He highlighted that major offenses—specifically armed robbery and phone snatching—have seen a considerable decrease in recent months, a success he attributed to the sacrifices of the men and women in blue.
However, this progress is being overshadowed by a troubling spike in two specific areas:
- Road Traffic Accidents: A rising frequency of collisions on major corridors.
- Police Extortion: An increase in reports of officers soliciting bribes or harassing drivers.
“The administration of the Liberia National Police will not condone impropriety or misconduct,” Cllr. Freeman warned. “Citizens must be able to trust the police and feel secure in their presence, not view an encounter with an officer as a financial threat.”
New Directives for Traffic Stops
To combat the perception of “predatory” checkpoints, the DIGPO reiterated the legal standard for police intervention. He clarified that officers do not have the liberty to stop vehicles at random without cause.
“Officers must only initiate traffic stops when a visible violation has occurred,” Freeman stated. This directive aims to streamline traffic flow and eliminate the practice of stopping law-abiding drivers solely for the purpose of “document checks” that often lead to extortion.
Strengthening Discipline and Respect
Addressing the commanders in the room, Cllr. Freeman emphasized that leadership is responsible for the conduct of those in the field. He urged them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, reminding the force that professionalism is not optional—it is the foundation of law enforcement.
The meeting concluded with a call for officers to balance their duty of enforcement with a spirit of service. By focusing on visible violations and maintaining a respectful demeanor, the LNP hopes to reduce the rising accident rates while simultaneously restoring public confidence in the uniform.
